United operates more than 45 United Club locations around the world, plus six United Polaris lounges for eligible premium cabin passengers.
There are several ways to get into a United Club. You can buy a membership or a one-time pass, get access through an eligible Chase United credit card, or qualify through your ticket or Star Alliance status.
But depending on how you get in, the rules around guests, entry times, and eligible flights can vary.
Here’s what to know before you visit.
Where Can You Find United Clubs?
United Clubs are located at airports throughout the airline’s network.
Every Club offers complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and seating, among other amenities. Some of United’s newer locations also have more substantial food selections, upgraded bars, and dedicated spaces for working or taking calls.
A few locations in particular are worth stopping by if you’re eligible and have time before a flight or on a layover.
- Denver (DEN): United’s Club at Denver B East is one of the largest in its network. It boasts more than 35,000 square feet across two floors.
- Newark (EWR): This is the first United hub with fully updated Clubs. It offers more than 63,000 square feet of Club space across the airport.
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD): The Concourse C Club seats more than 400 guests.
- Houston (IAH): Home to United’s new Terminal B Club, which spans 54,000 square feet.
Hours vary by location and can change around holidays, so United’s Club and lounge directory is a handy resource to check before heading to the reception desk.
Who Can Access a United Club?
There are five main ways to get into a United Club.
In most cases, you’ll need a same-day boarding pass for a flight operated by United, a Star Alliance airline, or an eligible partner. You may also be asked to show a government-issued photo ID.
- United Club members: Travelers who purchase an Individual or All Access membership.
- United Club cardholders: Primary cardholders of the United Club Card or United Club Business Card receive a Club membership.
- One-time passholders: Travelers who purchase a pass or receive one through an eligible United credit card.
- Premium cabin passengers: Eligible United Polaris and United Business passengers can access United Clubs at departure, connecting, and arrival airports. Star Alliance first and business class passengers can access Clubs at the departure airport of their eligible international flight.
- Star Alliance Gold members: United MileagePlus Premier Gold members and above can access United Clubs when traveling on qualifying international Star Alliance itineraries. Star Alliance Gold members from other programs have different access policies; these travelers can generally enter when flying domestically on United.
Just note there’s an important distinction for United’s own elite members. Having Premier Gold status or higher doesn’t automatically get you into a United Club when flying domestically.
And if you’re flying United domestic first class, that ticket alone generally won’t get you into a Club, either.
United Club Membership Pricing
United offers two annual membership options.
An individual membership covers the member only, while All Access includes guest privileges and access to participating Star Alliance partner lounges.
Pricing depends on your MileagePlus status:
| MileagePlus Status | Individual | All Access |
|---|---|---|
| General member, Premier Silver, Premier Gold | $750 or 94,000 miles | $1,400 or 175,000 miles |
| Premier Platinum | $750 or 94,000 miles | $1,300 or 163,000 miles |
| Premier 1K | $750 or 94,000 miles | $1,200 or 150,000 miles |
| Global Services | $750 or 94,000 miles | $1,100 or 125,000 miles |
How Do United Club One-Time Passes Work?
United sells one-time Club passes for $59 per person. You can purchase one through the United app, and some locations sell passes at the door when space is available.
There are a few restrictions when using a pass:
- One person, one visit: Each pass covers one entry. Children under two can accompany a passholder at no additional charge.
- Validity: Passes purchased through the app are valid for 12 months and are nonrefundable.
- Capacity: United Club members receive priority, so one-time passholders can be turned away when a lounge is busy.
- Eligible lounges: Passes work at standard United Clubs, but not Polaris lounges, United Club Fly locations, arrivals lounges, or partner lounges.
The capacity restriction is worth keeping in mind.
Buying a pass doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to use it at your preferred Club, so it’s worth waiting until you arrive to purchase one rather than buying it ahead of your trip.
How Early Can You Enter a United Club?
If you’re using a one-time pass, you can enter within three hours of your scheduled departure.
That restriction doesn’t apply if you’re visiting a United Club during a connection.
United doesn’t publish the same three-hour restriction for Club members and eligible cardholders, who generally only need a qualifying same-day boarding pass.
Can You Bring Guests Into a United Club?
Guest privileges depend on how you’re accessing the lounge.
- Individual membership: No guests.
- All Access membership: Up to two adult guests, or one adult guest and dependent children under 18.
- United Club card membership: One adult guest and dependent children under 18.
- One-time pass: No guests. Each person needs a separate pass.
- United Polaris and United Business passengers: No guests.
- Star Alliance first class: One guest on eligible international itineraries.
- Star Alliance business class: No guests.
- Star Alliance Gold: One guest traveling on the same flight.
United also has age restrictions. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult, while Clubs with self-service bars require guests under 21 to be accompanied by someone at least 21.
What’s the Difference Between United Clubs and Polaris Lounges?
United Polaris lounges are separate from standard United Clubs and offer a more premium experience, including sit-down dining, showers, and private relaxation areas.
There are six Polaris lounges in the United States:
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
- Houston (IAH)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Newark (EWR)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Washington Dulles (IAD)
Unlike United Clubs, Polaris lounge access comes from your ticket rather than a membership or credit card.
A United Club membership won’t get you into a Polaris lounge, and neither will a one-time pass.
United’s newer Polaris fare structure also affects lounge access. Passengers booked on Standard or Flexible Polaris fares can visit Polaris lounges, while those traveling on Base fares only receive access to standard United Clubs.
Certain international first- and business-class passengers on Star Alliance partners can also access Polaris lounges, although eligibility depends on the airline, cabin, and fare purchased.
Credit Cards That Include United Club Access
Four Chase United credit cards offer either a United Club membership or one-time passes.
- United Club Card: Includes a United Club membership for the primary cardholder, with access for one adult guest and dependent children under 18.
- United Club Business Card: Offers the same membership and guest privileges as the personal version.
- United Explorer Card: Includes two United Club one-time passes after account opening and every 12 months thereafter.
- United Business Card: Also includes two one-time passes after account opening and every 12 months thereafter.
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Both United Club cards offer a way to upgrade to All Access membership. You can qualify by earning Premier Gold status or spending $50,000 on purchases in a calendar year.
All Access adds a second adult guest and access to participating Star Alliance partner lounges. Cardholders with All Access and an authorized user or employee cardholder can also receive four one-time passes each card anniversary year.
Authorized users on the Club cards don’t receive their own membership. They’ll need to enter with the primary cardholder as an eligible guest.
The one-time passes issued by the Explorer and Business cards have different rules. They can be used by the primary cardholder, an authorized user or employee cardholder, or an accompanying guest, but can’t be transferred to someone traveling separately.
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